Emperor Ling's actions seemed unbelievable, but the powerful families were all shrewd and could see through his intentions at a glance.
Especially since Emperor Ling hadn't yet designated an heir, and choosing a crown prince was a crucial matter for maintaining stability in the empire.
Even if he only had two sons, he still needed to choose an heir. They didn't want to compete, but the lower classes might!
"So what do you plan to do?" Yang Ci nodded slightly, seemingly satisfied.
Being well-read was only for understanding principles; for a clan leader, exceptional talent wasn't important. What mattered was the ability to read people.
"We support Prince Xie. Prince Xie is naturally intelligent, and His Majesty intends to make him the crown prince. Whoever His Majesty is, we will be loyal to him." Yang Biao's words were bold, and could even be considered the sentiment of most families.
They didn't care who the emperor was; they were all surnamed Liu, and as long as it was the emperor, they would be loyal.
"Foolish! Cough cough cough!" Yang Ci coughed again in his excitement.
"Father." Yang Biao quickly went over and patted his father's back. It took a while for his father to recover.
"The matter of the imperial succession is not for us to participate in!" Yang Ci only said this one sentence before weakly waving his hand, "You can go out now, I need to rest."
"Yes, Father." Yang Biao's expression was solemn. He never doubted his father's words, but had his first judgment been wrong?
General He Jin had already cooperated with the Yuan family, and with Empress He being his sister, the remaining prince, Prince Bian, would undoubtedly be supported. Prince Xie, on the other hand, was raised by Empress Dowager Dong and had no chance of receiving support.
In Luoyang, undercurrents surged. The upper echelons were scheming and plotting, while the common people continued as usual.
After walking through the streets, Lu Ming didn't go to Zhang Wen's residence but went directly to the residence of Marquis Zhao.
After examining Zhao Hou, Lu Ming produced an object. "My lord, please look at this."
It was still June, the weather hot, even unbearably so. Zhao Hou stared at the block of ice before him, his eyes wide with disbelief. "This... in June? How can there be ice?"
"This is an ancient method of ice making that I learned from ancient texts. My lord, if we sell this ice to the high-ranking officials in Luoyang, five blocks for one string of cash, what do you think? After the experiment is successful in Luoyang, we can then sell it to the Central Plains, and wealth will flow in!" Lu Ming excitedly explained his ideas and plans. His goal was to leverage Zhao Hou's network of connections to amass wealth.
As a shrewd businessman, Zhao Hou immediately recognized the staggering profits involved. "Selling ice in summer, coal briquettes in winter. A clever scheme, a clever scheme indeed. Why don't you do it yourself instead of cooperating with me?"
Those who possess the secret formula can easily do it themselves. Because the core ingredients are here, others can't make it even if they wanted to.
"The world is driven by self-interest. I've been kind to you, Marquis, and how could I forget? It's also thanks to the recommendation of the Grand Commandant's wife; a drop of kindness should be repaid with a spring of gratitude." Lu Ming spoke eloquently, concealing his true intentions.
"Hahaha!" Marquis Zhao laughed heartily, raising his hand and gesturing a few times towards Lu Ming, then pouring him a cup of wine. "Anmin, my sister said you are a great talent, which I doubted, but now it seems you are indeed a great talent. Rest assured, with me here, the Yuan family won't dare to do anything to you."
Just a one-time cooperation?
Zhao Hou didn't think that way. A talented, skilled in medicine, and ambitious person had limitless potential.
He had many children, but hadn't decided which would succeed him, as none were outstanding.
Cultivating a powerful assistant would help his heir in the future.
From beginning to end, he was just using them as tools, the only difference being whether it was a one-time or long-term arrangement. Everyone was using each other; there was no sincerity, just empty talk.
"Come with me to the palace to meet the Emperor. This is a great thing; we must tell His Majesty. Anmin, His Majesty will reward you handsomely then." Zhao Hou's expression was meaningful; he knew Emperor Ling's character well.
If he pleased Emperor Ling, there would definitely be a reward.
"The Emperor's grace is boundless; I have nothing to ask for. I only wish to repay His Majesty's kindness and avenge my enemies as soon as possible." Lu Ming continued with his usual rhetoric. He wasn't without desires; having already received what he wanted, he wouldn't push his luck.
Being a subordinate requires skill. One cannot feign being a saint devoid of desires; that would disgust superiors. "If you're a saint, then what am I?"
But one also cannot appear devoid of desires. One must show flaws while also highlighting strengths; otherwise, one will also be disliked.
"Hmm, come, let's set off." Zhao Hou clearly understood how to amplify the benefits involved. Only by aligning with the Emperor could one secure their interests.
This was also the survival strategy of the imperial family; relying on ministers was the least reliable option.
Just as they were about to leave, they saw Madam Zhang arrive, accompanied by another equally elegant and beautiful woman. She wore a gold hairpin and a long, fringed brocade robe, her figure full and her appearance dignified—a truly mature woman!
"Brother, Anmin," Madam Zhang said with a smile, her face rosy. The presence of a man and the absence of one make a world of difference.
At least the beautiful woman beside her looked haggard, clearly withered and lifeless.
"Sister, Madam. You may go about your business. Anmin and I are going to the palace to meet the Emperor." Zhao Hou nodded. His simple words revealed the truth: the beautiful woman beside his sister was his legal wife.
"Greetings, Madam Grand Commandant. Greetings, Madam Marquis." Lu Ming cupped his hands to the two women, then looked up and met Madam Zhang's gaze. He could see the alluring desire in her eyes!
What a mature woman! After being "developed," she now wants him every day!
Indeed, Madam Zhang did want him.
She used to be indifferent to desire. In fact, after the age of thirty, she rarely served the Emperor. This wasn't just her family; it was the case in most powerful families.
So, after Lu Ming "developed" her body, experiencing unprecedented orgasmic pleasure and many novel positions, she couldn't resist.
This made her feel decadent inside, yet she couldn't bear to part with a man. She longed to see her lover every day. Now, the moment she saw Lu Ming, she felt her lower body become wet, yearning for Lu Ming's large member to penetrate her and fill her completely!